Navigating Fibromyalgia Through the Aging Process

Introduction

Fibromyalgia is a disease of idiopathic origin. The disease presents itself with chronic pain experienced throughout the body. One’s ability to tolerate pain and sensitivity is immensely compromised when affected by fibromyalgia. The disease is long-lasting. However, it has no progressive symptoms, and the effects of the disease remain the same with advancing age. Fibromyalgia is more likely to occur in people who are already exposed to certain rheumatic diseases, psychiatric disorders, or diseases that present with pain as their primary symptom. Below is a list that highlights these diseases:

• Rheumatoid arthritis.

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

• Ankylosing spondylitis.

• Systemic sclerosis.

• Osteoarthritis.

• Irritable bowel syndrome.

Who Is Affected by Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a common affliction, but it is more prevalent in women than in men. The condition can be acquired by anyone, regardless of age. However, middle-aged people are more likely to suffer from the disease. The probability of contracting the disease is highest in the senile group of people. Fibromyalgia is more likely to occur in individuals who have a genetic predisposition or family history. But this is not always the case. Someone with no family history may also be affected by fibromyalgia. There is very limited research on fibromyalgia affecting the pediatric population. However, the incidence has been reported many times previously.

What Are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

The symptoms of fibromyalgia are unique to each individual. However, the common symptoms include:

1. Widespread pain afflicted throughout the body. Presented as increased sensitivity or burning sensation.

2. Extreme fatigue and energy loss are experienced routinely.

3. Morning stiffness is common, especially within 30 minutes to 1 hour of waking up.

4. 'Fibro fog' is experienced by many, typically including memory loss and difficulty concentrating, among other cognitive dysfunctions.

5. Getting a good night's sleep becomes a challenge.

6. Chronic headaches and migraines may occur at regular intervals.

7. Depression and anxiety are also reported in many fibromyalgia patients.

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia is not yet established, people affected have demonstrated a heightened sensitivity to pain subjected to all parts of the body. The reasoning for such a response is believed to be due to altered neural signaling pathways that transmit and receive pain. Other factors that may contribute to the disease development include:

1. Family history

2. Genetics

3. Environmental factors

4. Co-existing diseases that also afflict pain symptoms.

How to Diagnose Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is characterized by pain and fatigue experienced throughout the body. The patient history and physical examination are the only way to confirm the diagnosis of the condition. The symptoms of fibromyalgia are found to overlap with various other diseases. The clinician makes sure to rule out all other conditions by performing specific laboratory and imaging tests pertaining to the disease. There are no confirmatory tests that check for fibromyalgia; hence, a thorough medical history becomes imperative to diagnose accurately.

Is Fibromyalgia an Age-Related Disease?

Fibromyalgia is said to occur more commonly in middle-aged people, especially women. However, this does not hold completely true. All age groups are susceptible to acquiring fibromyalgia, with no gender bias. People of all ages, ranging from children to the elderly, have the potential to suffer from fibromyalgia. However, the symptoms at different ages may vary greatly.

• Fibromyalgia in Young Adults: The myth about fibromyalgia being an old age disease makes it difficult for doctors to come to terms with its incidence in young teenagers and adults. Being diagnosed with a chronic illness at such a young age is physically and mentally exhausting for the patient. Being a young kid with a whole life to live ahead, it is extremely difficult for one to accept the consequences of managing a taxing disease such as fibromyalgia. The symptoms of the condition limit one's desires tremendously, proving to be a massive hit on the self-esteem of the young patient. Having moral support and a strong will is essential to living a life different from normalcy. Expecting such displays of maturity from a young patient is quite uncommon but not completely rare.

• Fibromyalgia in Mid-Career Age: Getting diagnosed with fibromyalgia in one’s prime working years is not easy on the mind and body. Work-life is when one grinds to achieve goals and fulfill one’s desires. One may feel socially challenged due to not meeting the average energy levels of same-aged people present around. The ‘fibro fog’ and other cognitive disruptions pose a challenge for one to thrive in a work environment. One needs to accommodate time for symptomatic management of pain and body aches by booking regular appointments with the chiropractor. It is a challenge to live with fibromyalgia at a young age, but every problem has a fix if one is adamant about finding it.

• Fibromyalgia in Middle-Aged and Beyond: Experiencing fibromyalgia at an older age is not the same as acquiring it when young. The symptoms of fibromyalgia seem to worsen during old age. However, the advancing age is more at blame rather than fibromyalgia itself. As one progresses in age, energy levels droop, with fatigue and tiredness setting in. The incidence of other conditions common in old age makes it more difficult to manage the symptoms and lead a peaceful later life. The dependency on routine tasks is increasing, and one needs assistance to accomplish them.

How to Treat Fibromyalgia?

There is no definite cure for fibromyalgia found to date. The management of the disease is to the point and symptomatic. Various therapies are advised to patients for an improved quality of life that may also compensate for the fatigue and low energy levels that come with the disease.

1. Regular exercise and yoga practice are advised to patients to keep the body fit and mind healthy. Having a strong and fit body trumps a weak and tired body in all aspects, not just limited to fibromyalgia.

2. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is advised to patients to improve their tolerance to pain and sensitivity experienced in fibromyalgia. The ‘fibro fog’ may be managed better by uptaking CBT, and one can improve brain function with regular counseling.

3. Medications to relieve one from symptoms of fibromyalgia are prescribed by the doctor to ease the pain and provide remission. Analgesics (pain-relieving medication) are the first choice of the doctor as the primary symptom of fibromyalgia is heightened pain and sensitivity throughout the body. Other medications include administration of antidepressants or anti-seizure medications if required.

Conclusion

Fibromyalgia can affect one’s standard of life to a great extent and interfere with the daily tasks needed to be accomplished. Getting an accurate, timely diagnosis is the first step towards improving and managing the disease's symptoms effectively. Rheumatologists are primarily responsible for guiding the overcoming of this typical disease. However, a whole team of doctors from various fields contributes to the well-being of the patient. Psychiatrists and mental health therapists play an equivocal role in improving disease symptoms and bringing the patient back to normalcy as much as possible.